Our Presidio Education® SF Impact Project 2020
Presidio Education® donating backpacks filled with hygiene supplies to the homeless as part of our SF Impact Project 2020. Part of the English Department carrying backpacks to a row of tents in the San Francisco Warehouse District. Photograph by Martin Nobida, English Teacher, 2020.
Presidio Education® SF Impact Project Logo, 2020.
On Saturday, October 31, 2020, our team drove around San Francisco donating new backpacks filled with hygiene supplies, including 1,100 masks, 900 bottles of soap, 600 pairs of socks, 200 bottles of sanitizer, toilet kits, first aid kits, clothes, feminine products, toilet paper, reusable Bisphenol-A (BPA)-free water bottles, drinks and food, for the homeless. We called this our SF Impact Project 2020 because many on our team are either from San Francisco, or neighboring Bay Area cities. This is where we grew up, went to school, played sports, made dreams and went for them. San Francisco is where we learned about cultures, languages, diversity and love.
But something else many of us have learned is to take care of each other with compassion, understanding and respect. San Francisco is known as the Sanctuary City, not just because we welcome immigrants with open arms, but because we pour so much effort to help the growing homeless population.
Homeless man sitting on a scooter in the Warehouse District. He was very humble and appreciative of the backpack and extra food we gave him. Photograph by Martin Nobida, English Teacher, 2020.
In 2019, the City and County of San Francisco estimated 9,808 homeless people scattered across the city. With a rapid influx of homeless from across the country, these numbers are on track to rise even more. But that is not the only problem. Unfortunately, with COVID-19, many homeless in San Francisco have been displaced and forced out of shelters for fear of spreading this deadly virus. This means many homeless are now on the streets without food, water, masks, sanitizers and medical treatment. Many, who heavily depend on treatment for mental illnesses, are now back on the streets without any medication or protection.
Groups of homeless at South of Market (SOMA) happily showing their Presidio Education® backpacks. Photograph by Martin Nobida, English Teacher, 2020.
Many of the homeless struggle to get their lives on track. Yes, some may have drug problems, as we encountered, or even have criminal records, which is why they cannot secure employment. But to give up on these people would not be the San Francisco way. We believe in treating each other with dignity and kindness. We believe in second chances.
Homeless man in the Warehouse District who was excited to talk about one day getting surgery to repair the inside of his mouth. Photograph by Martin Nobida, English Teacher, 2020.
If we do not help these homeless get back on their feet, or at least show them that there is still hope, what kind of example would we set for younger generations? How would our students look up to us? Sometimes the homeless just have bad luck, but that does not mean we should give up on them. Sometimes just a little bit of compassion can go a long way to restoring faith in communities. We can only marvel at the prospect of what would happen if all students worked together to end poverty.
These homeless families at Ocean Beach were exceptionally polite and grateful. When we gave these men some backpacks, they thanked us and asked if they could give their backpacks to their neighbors because they felt others needed them more. We were so overwhelmed by this selflessness, that we brought more backpacks for all of them that we did not see. Photograph by Martin Nobida, English Teacher, 2020.
We would like to thank everyone who helped make our SF Impact Project 2020 possible. Many drove around the Bay Area back and forth to pick up giant boxes full of supplies, stayed up late to inventory and package, assembled water bottles and distributed backpacks. Many sacrificed their time outside of work all to give back to our homeless community. We are thankful for all the teamwork and kindness.
Presidio Education® handing out backpacks to the homeless across from San Francisco City Hall. Photograph by Martin Nobida, English Teacher, 2020.
Please contact our Sustainability Team to find out how you can join our Impact Projects to combat homelessness. Even a small act of kindness can go a long way!
Among other components, we packed new backpacks with 1,100 masks, 900 bottles of soap, 600 pairs of socks, 200 bottles of sanitizer, toilet kits, first aid kits, clothes, feminine products, toilet paper, reusable Bisphenol-A (BPA)-free water bottles, drinks and food all for the homeless. Photograph by Martin Nobida, English Teacher, 2020.
